Samuels Group Inc.

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Wed August 6, 2008

California Approves Green Building Standards

This article from IAPMO's August 2008 Green Newsletter, details Green Building initiatives just enacted in California. You can subscribe to the Green Newsletter by clicking here:

http://www.iapmo.org/Pages/GreenNewsletter.aspx

The California Building Standards Commission, the agency that oversees the adoption and implementation of the State's building code, voted unanimously on July 17 to adopt the first statewide "green" building code in the nation.

The code, which applies to all new construction in the state, will be implemented as guidelines on July 1, 2009. It will become mandatory in 2010, the adjustment period allowing industry and local enforcement agencies time to prepare and comply with the new standards.

Though the building codes are meant as the minimum acceptable level, the green standards will certainly raise the bar in a state that already boasts the toughest building code in the nation.

The code aims to cut energy use by 15 percent by addressing a multitude of issues: building envelope; air sealing package; HVAC and water heating design, equipment, and installation; lighting; appliances; energy efficient framing.

Suffering from a prolonged drought, California is well aware of the importance of water conservation. The green standards will look to cut indoor water use by 20 percent through efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings and efficient appliances. Potable water in outdoor use will be reduced by 50 percent through the establishment of a water budget, efficient landscape irrigation, and the use of rainwater, recycled water and grey water.

The new standards also address on-site renewable energy use, green building materials, indoor air quality, and other design considerations.

"By adopting this first-in-the-nation statewide green building code, California is again leading the way to fight climate change and protect the environment," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is literally a groundbreaking move to ensure that when we break ground on all new buildings in the Golden State we are promoting green building and energy efficient new technologies."